PFA stunned by suggestions players simply block it out

the UK the first nation to have the power to levy large fines if comments that would be illegal elsewhere are found by OFCOM to be posted on the internet.

A strongly-worded PFA statement read: “During our initial meetings with the social networks they advised us that players could block content they find offensive.

“We do not believe the onus should be on an individual to manage the racism they receive. With the scale of racist abuse happening on their platforms, we are publicly asking why Twitter, Facebook and

Instagram will not prevent users from being able to send explicitly racist terms and emojis? There is no context in which some words are acceptable.

“These steps won’t banish all racist abuse, but it would be a start. While racist abuse is allowed to continue on each platform, we can only conclude that this is a choice by the companies running the social networks.”

Rashford responded to the abuse he received by describing it as “humanity and social media at its worst”. He added: “Yes, I’m a black man and I live every day proud that I am. No one, or no one comment, is going to make me feel any different. I have beautiful children of all colours following me and they don’t need to read it. Beautiful colours that should only be celebrated.” Culture secretary Oliver Dowden, left, said: “More shocking revelations from Marcus Rashford and that’s why I organised a roundtable with footballers last Monday to discuss how we can use the upcoming Online Harms legislation to tackle this scourge.” Greater Manchester Police confirmed they are looking into the latest message aimed at Rashford.